"Then David said to Ahimelech the Hittite and to Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, saying, 'Who will go down with me to Saul in the camp?' And Abishai said, 'I will go down with you.'" -1 Samuel 26.6
Saul has pursued David and set up camp for the night. Saul is in the center of the camp with his men surrounding him, and David plans to visit during the night. He asks who will come along with him on this mission, and Abishai volunteers. This is not necessarily the safest mission. They are walking into the middle of the enemy camp. One wrong move and thousands of men are awake and on top of them. If they are captured it is certain death, and yet Abishai volunteers to go. He knows the risks involved, but he is standing by David.
We need friends like this. We need friends who are willing to stand by us, even in the most dangerous of times. We need brothers who have our backs, that are willing to bleed with us, and if necessary, die by our side.
Men, do you have friends like this? Are you a friend like this? This is not the type of relationship that you have with many people. I have about three friends that this applies to. But I know they have my back at all times, and they know I have theirs. They are willing to go with me into dangerous areas. To have that sort of friend you have to be that sort of friend.
Let us be men who are willing to go. Let us be men who are brave and dependable.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
Undeserved Mercy
"Then the Ziphites came to Saul at Gibeah, saying, 'Is not David hiding on the hill of Hachilah, which is before Jeshimon?' So Saul arose and went down to the wilderness of Ziph, having with him three thousand chosen men of Israel, to search for David in the wilderness of Ziph. Saul camped in the hill of Hachilah, which is before Jeshimon, beside the road, and David was staying in the wilderness. When he saw that Saul came after him into the wilderness, David sent out spies, and he knew that Saul was definitely coming. David then arose and came to the place where Saul had camped. And David saw the place where Saul lay, and Abner the son of Ner, the commander of his army; and Saul was lying in the circle of the camp, and the people were camped around him... So David and Abishai came to the people by night, and behold, Saul lay sleeping inside the circle of the camp with his spear stuck in the ground at his head; and Abner and the people were lying around him. Then Abishai said to David, 'Today God has delivered your enemy into your hand; now therefore, please let me strike him with the spear to the ground with one stroke, and I will not strike him the second time.' But David said to Abishai, 'Do not destroy him, for who can stretch out his hand against the Lord’s anointed and be without guilt?' David also said, 'As the Lord lives, surely the Lord will strike him, or his day will come that he dies, or he will go down into battle and perish.'" -1 Samuel 26.1-5, 7-10
Yet again Saul is out to kill David. For the second time he has pursued him into the wilderness in an attempt to remove this threat. And for the second time David spares Saul's life as he holds it in his hands. After the first pursuit, when David spares him, Saul gives the impression that he is done chasing David. However, news arrives of David's location, and Saul cannot resist. He takes a force that out numbers David's five to one, and sets up camp. David with a single companion sneak into the camp, find Saul, and again spares his life.
Reading this makes me think of the saying, "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice shame on me." This is the second time Saul has chased David in the wilderness seeking his life, but it is far from the second time Saul has tried to kill him. There is no reason to believe that Saul is ever going to stop seeking David's life, after all, the last time this situation occurred Saul admitted his guilt and yet here they are again. And yet again, David shows mercy. It is not David's place or right to strike down God's anointed king, and he refuses to do so.
Does Saul deserve Mercy, probably not. Again, he's tried to kill David on multiple occasions, and there is no reason to believe he won't try again in the future. But David does not allow himself to give in to the temptation. He knows that Saul is God's anointed king and will not raise his hand against him.
Men, if this was you, what would you do? Take out the killing aspect, and what do you do when someone screws you over? Again, I think of the "Fool me one, fool me twice" saying, and part of me is inclined say you don't get a second chance. I don't believe you have to put yourself in the position to be taken advantage of, or abused, over and over, but do you offer forgiveness for the past offenses? That is where we need to show mercy. Forgiveness does not mean that what happened was ok. It does not say it didn't matter or hurt. It does not give the person permission to do it again. All it says is I do not hold this against you, and I will not allow myself to be imprisoned by it. Mercy gives what is not deserved, and allows God to handle it.
Let us be men of mercy.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Yet again Saul is out to kill David. For the second time he has pursued him into the wilderness in an attempt to remove this threat. And for the second time David spares Saul's life as he holds it in his hands. After the first pursuit, when David spares him, Saul gives the impression that he is done chasing David. However, news arrives of David's location, and Saul cannot resist. He takes a force that out numbers David's five to one, and sets up camp. David with a single companion sneak into the camp, find Saul, and again spares his life.
Reading this makes me think of the saying, "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice shame on me." This is the second time Saul has chased David in the wilderness seeking his life, but it is far from the second time Saul has tried to kill him. There is no reason to believe that Saul is ever going to stop seeking David's life, after all, the last time this situation occurred Saul admitted his guilt and yet here they are again. And yet again, David shows mercy. It is not David's place or right to strike down God's anointed king, and he refuses to do so.
Does Saul deserve Mercy, probably not. Again, he's tried to kill David on multiple occasions, and there is no reason to believe he won't try again in the future. But David does not allow himself to give in to the temptation. He knows that Saul is God's anointed king and will not raise his hand against him.
Men, if this was you, what would you do? Take out the killing aspect, and what do you do when someone screws you over? Again, I think of the "Fool me one, fool me twice" saying, and part of me is inclined say you don't get a second chance. I don't believe you have to put yourself in the position to be taken advantage of, or abused, over and over, but do you offer forgiveness for the past offenses? That is where we need to show mercy. Forgiveness does not mean that what happened was ok. It does not say it didn't matter or hurt. It does not give the person permission to do it again. All it says is I do not hold this against you, and I will not allow myself to be imprisoned by it. Mercy gives what is not deserved, and allows God to handle it.
Let us be men of mercy.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Monday, May 4, 2015
Beginning of the Downfall
"When the servants of David came to Abigail at Carmel, they spoke to her, saying, 'David has sent us to you to take you as his wife.' She arose and bowed with her face to the ground and said, 'Behold, your maidservant is a maid to wash the feet of my lord’s servants.' Then Abigail quickly arose, and rode on a donkey, with her five maidens who attended her; and she followed the messengers of David and became his wife. David had also taken Ahinoam of Jezreel, and they both became his wives." -1 Samuel 25.40-43
God brought justice on Nabal, taking his life. When David hears of this he sends a marriage proposal to Nabal's widow Abigail. He was already married to Saul's daughter, but verse 44 informs us that Saul had given her to another man. David takes a new wife, but we see that she is not the only one. In addition to Abigail he has also married Ahinoam of Jezreel.
Throughout the Old Testament we have seen several men with multiple wives, but even though it was cultural and political, it violates God's design, and it begins to set up David's downfall. God created marriage to be between one man and one woman until death. David is compromising that here, and it will lead to the future compromises he makes.
Men, daily we have the opportunity to compromise. We are presented with situations where we can do something for an advantage or simply because we want to. How often do those things lead us away from God's original design? Each time we compromise it makes the next time that much easier. What compromise will be your final downfall?
Let us be men who refuse to compromise. Let us be men who never let the downfall begin.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
God brought justice on Nabal, taking his life. When David hears of this he sends a marriage proposal to Nabal's widow Abigail. He was already married to Saul's daughter, but verse 44 informs us that Saul had given her to another man. David takes a new wife, but we see that she is not the only one. In addition to Abigail he has also married Ahinoam of Jezreel.
Throughout the Old Testament we have seen several men with multiple wives, but even though it was cultural and political, it violates God's design, and it begins to set up David's downfall. God created marriage to be between one man and one woman until death. David is compromising that here, and it will lead to the future compromises he makes.
Men, daily we have the opportunity to compromise. We are presented with situations where we can do something for an advantage or simply because we want to. How often do those things lead us away from God's original design? Each time we compromise it makes the next time that much easier. What compromise will be your final downfall?
Let us be men who refuse to compromise. Let us be men who never let the downfall begin.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Sunday, May 3, 2015
The Voice of Reason
"Then David said to Abigail, 'Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, who sent you this day to meet me, and blessed be your discernment, and blessed be you, who have kept me this day from bloodshed and from avenging myself by my own hand. Nevertheless, as the Lord God of Israel lives, who has restrained me from harming you, unless you had come quickly to meet me, surely there would not have been left to Nabal until the morning light as much as one male.' So David received from her hand what she had brought him and said to her, 'Go up to your house in peace. See, I have listened to you and granted your request.'" -1 Samuel 25.32-35
There was a rich man named Nabal whose shepherds had received protection from David's men. David sends a request to Nabal, seeking supplies, and tells him of how he has taken care of his works. Nabal refuses David's request and insults him, and so David and 400 of his men arm themselves and march out to destroy Nabal. Fortunately, for both parties, Abigail, Nabal's wife, is informed of what has happened, and rides out with supplies to make peace with David. She presents the offering to him, and persuades David not to pursue his course of violence. David listens to the voice of reason and bloodshed is avoided.
Men, there are things that make us fighting mad. Some of those things are worth getting upset about, and some of them are worth fighting over, but some of those things are not. Probably a majority of those things. When you're mad about the wrong things, who is the voice of reason? God has placed women in the world for a variety of reasons, and one of them is to serve in this capacity. There are times my wife tells me things I don't want to hear. She serves at that voice of reason causing me to stop and reassess things.
Let us be men who listen to the voice of reason.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
There was a rich man named Nabal whose shepherds had received protection from David's men. David sends a request to Nabal, seeking supplies, and tells him of how he has taken care of his works. Nabal refuses David's request and insults him, and so David and 400 of his men arm themselves and march out to destroy Nabal. Fortunately, for both parties, Abigail, Nabal's wife, is informed of what has happened, and rides out with supplies to make peace with David. She presents the offering to him, and persuades David not to pursue his course of violence. David listens to the voice of reason and bloodshed is avoided.
Men, there are things that make us fighting mad. Some of those things are worth getting upset about, and some of them are worth fighting over, but some of those things are not. Probably a majority of those things. When you're mad about the wrong things, who is the voice of reason? God has placed women in the world for a variety of reasons, and one of them is to serve in this capacity. There are times my wife tells me things I don't want to hear. She serves at that voice of reason causing me to stop and reassess things.
Let us be men who listen to the voice of reason.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Saturday, May 2, 2015
God's Way
"Now when Saul returned from pursuing the Philistines, he was told, saying, 'Behold, David is in the wilderness of Engedi.' Then Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel and went to seek David and his men in front of the Rocks of the Wild Goats. He came to the sheepfolds on the way, where there was a cave; and Saul went in to relieve himself. Now David and his men were sitting in the inner recesses of the cave. The men of David said to him, 'Behold, this is the day of which the Lord said to you, "Behold; I am about to give your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it seems good to you."' Then David arose and cut off the edge of Saul’s robe secretly. It came about afterward that David’s conscience bothered him because he had cut off the edge of Saul’s robe. So he said to his men, 'Far be it from me because of the Lord that I should do this thing to my lord, the Lord’s anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, since he is the Lord’s anointed.' David persuaded his men with these words and did not allow them to rise up against Saul. And Saul arose, left the cave, and went on his way. Now afterward David arose and went out of the cave and called after Saul, saying, 'My lord the king!' And when Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the ground and prostrated himself. David said to Saul, 'Why do you listen to the words of men, saying, "Behold, David seeks to harm you"? Behold, this day your eyes have seen that the Lord had given you today into my hand in the cave, and some said to kill you, but my eye had pity on you; and I said, "I will not stretch out my hand against my lord, for he is the Lord’s anointed." Now, my father, see! Indeed, see the edge of your robe in my hand! For in that I cut off the edge of your robe and did not kill you, know and perceive that there is no evil or rebellion in my hands, and I have not sinned against you, though you are lying in wait for my life to take it. May the Lord judge between you and me, and may the Lord avenge me on you; but my hand shall not be against you.'" -1 Samuel 24.1-12
Saul has been pursuing David, seeking to kill him, because he is a threat to Saul's reign. David has been on the run, fleeing and hiding out, evading Saul, but for the first time, David has the upper hand. David and his men are hiding in a cave at Engedi, and Saul enters the same cave. David's men tell him that God has delivered Saul into his hands. From a human stand point David's troubles are over, but David seeks to do things God's way, and refuses to harm the king. Instead he cuts off the edge of Saul's robe, and after Saul leaves the cave David pursues him, showing him that he has spared his life.
All David had to do was stab Saul in the back, literally, and his days of hiding out in the wilderness would have been over. He could have killed the king, and assumed his God appointed role as king, but David knew that was not God's way, and refused to kill the Lord's anointed. His actions showed Saul, for the moment, that he had no intention of stealing the throne. By doing things God's way, David was not a usurper, but the rightful king.
Men, how do you do things? Do you focus on doing things God's way, enduring the hardships, waiting on His timing? Or do you see an advantage and take it without considering what may follow? When the world tells you to do what is easy, do you hear God telling you to do what is right? There is a proper way to do things, and then there is the easy way. Doing things the easy way may be faster, but it will bring about future consequences that could have been avoided by doing things God's way.
David could have taken Saul's life, but then more people would have been after David for killing the king. Saul's family would have reason to pursue David, and now he is fighting a different battle. David would have had to answer to the nation for his actions, and would have faced God's judgment for killing His anointed leader. However, because David didn't take the easy way, his reign began legitimately and guiltless.
Let us be men who refuse to take the easy way. Let us be men who endure the hardships and pursue God's way.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Pictures from Engedi.
Saul has been pursuing David, seeking to kill him, because he is a threat to Saul's reign. David has been on the run, fleeing and hiding out, evading Saul, but for the first time, David has the upper hand. David and his men are hiding in a cave at Engedi, and Saul enters the same cave. David's men tell him that God has delivered Saul into his hands. From a human stand point David's troubles are over, but David seeks to do things God's way, and refuses to harm the king. Instead he cuts off the edge of Saul's robe, and after Saul leaves the cave David pursues him, showing him that he has spared his life.
All David had to do was stab Saul in the back, literally, and his days of hiding out in the wilderness would have been over. He could have killed the king, and assumed his God appointed role as king, but David knew that was not God's way, and refused to kill the Lord's anointed. His actions showed Saul, for the moment, that he had no intention of stealing the throne. By doing things God's way, David was not a usurper, but the rightful king.
Men, how do you do things? Do you focus on doing things God's way, enduring the hardships, waiting on His timing? Or do you see an advantage and take it without considering what may follow? When the world tells you to do what is easy, do you hear God telling you to do what is right? There is a proper way to do things, and then there is the easy way. Doing things the easy way may be faster, but it will bring about future consequences that could have been avoided by doing things God's way.
David could have taken Saul's life, but then more people would have been after David for killing the king. Saul's family would have reason to pursue David, and now he is fighting a different battle. David would have had to answer to the nation for his actions, and would have faced God's judgment for killing His anointed leader. However, because David didn't take the easy way, his reign began legitimately and guiltless.
Let us be men who refuse to take the easy way. Let us be men who endure the hardships and pursue God's way.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Pictures from Engedi.
Friday, May 1, 2015
Acting Like a King
"Then they told David, saying, 'Behold, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and are plundering the threshing floors.' So David inquired of the Lord, saying, 'Shall I go and attack these Philistines?' And the Lord said to David, 'Go and attack the Philistines and deliver Keilah.' But David’s men said to him, 'Behold, we are afraid here in Judah. How much more then if we go to Keilah against the ranks of the Philistines?' Then David inquired of the Lord once more. And the Lord answered him and said, 'Arise, go down to Keilah, for I will give the Philistines into your hand.' So David and his men went to Keilah and fought with the Philistines; and he led away their livestock and struck them with a great slaughter. Thus David delivered the inhabitants of Keilah." -1 Samuel 23.1-5
David hears that some of his people are in trouble, and he is moved to action. He seeks God's leading, and once he is given the go ahead from God, he and his men move in and attack the Philistines, saving the people of Keilah. David is not the reigning king, but he is the anointed king. While the current king is obsessed with eliminating his rival, David is focused on saving his people. David may not wear the crown, but he is acting like a king.
David knows that Saul is after him, and yet he also knows that his people are under attack. He seeks God, and knowing that God will watch over him and protect him, and then moves in to save his people. Saul should have done this. Saul should have assembled the army and ridden out into battle against the Philistines who are plundering in his country. Saul has lost focus on his role as king. He is obsessed with keeping power that he is failing to use it as he should. He is not acting like a king.
Men, each of us are called to be kings. A key responsibility of a king is to protect those he leads, making them safe so that their lives can be better. We have the responsibility to protect our families. We have the responsibility to take care of our employees. We have the responsibility to guard those in our churches. That is the responsibility that comes with a kingdom.
While David did not wear the crown, he was the anointed king. Rather than hiding out, seeking to protect his own life, David does what a king should do and moves to defend his people.
Let us be men who act like kings. Let us use our strength not to preserve our own lives and to protect our rule, but rather let us spend our strength in the service of those we lead. Let us act like kings.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
David hears that some of his people are in trouble, and he is moved to action. He seeks God's leading, and once he is given the go ahead from God, he and his men move in and attack the Philistines, saving the people of Keilah. David is not the reigning king, but he is the anointed king. While the current king is obsessed with eliminating his rival, David is focused on saving his people. David may not wear the crown, but he is acting like a king.
David knows that Saul is after him, and yet he also knows that his people are under attack. He seeks God, and knowing that God will watch over him and protect him, and then moves in to save his people. Saul should have done this. Saul should have assembled the army and ridden out into battle against the Philistines who are plundering in his country. Saul has lost focus on his role as king. He is obsessed with keeping power that he is failing to use it as he should. He is not acting like a king.
Men, each of us are called to be kings. A key responsibility of a king is to protect those he leads, making them safe so that their lives can be better. We have the responsibility to protect our families. We have the responsibility to take care of our employees. We have the responsibility to guard those in our churches. That is the responsibility that comes with a kingdom.
While David did not wear the crown, he was the anointed king. Rather than hiding out, seeking to protect his own life, David does what a king should do and moves to defend his people.
Let us be men who act like kings. Let us use our strength not to preserve our own lives and to protect our rule, but rather let us spend our strength in the service of those we lead. Let us act like kings.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Thursday, April 30, 2015
New Low
"But the king said, 'You shall surely die, Ahimelech, you and all your father’s household!' And the king said to the guards who were attending him, 'Turn around and put the priests of the Lord to death, because their hand also is with David and because they knew that he was fleeing and did not reveal it to me.' But the servants of the king were not willing to put forth their hands to attack the priests of the Lord. Then the king said to Doeg, 'You turn around and attack the priests.' And Doeg the Edomite turned around and attacked the priests, and he killed that day eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod. And he struck Nob the city of the priests with the edge of the sword, both men and women, children and infants; also oxen, donkeys, and sheep he struck with the edge of the sword." -1 Samuel 22.16-19
Saul has reached a new low. In his pursuit of David, he learns that a priest of God gave aid to him. After questioning Saul orders his men to kill the priests, but these Israelites are unwilling to harm the priests. And so Saul turns to a foreigner, Doeg the Edomite, who has no problem at all with the command. Doeg not only kills the priest, but then goes to attack the families of the priests, including women, children and infants. Saul not only has ordered his own people to be attacked, but he orders that priests and their families be attacked.
Now it must be pointed out that he did not have all the information. Doeg tells Saul that he saw David come and receive aid, but he does not inform the king that David claimed to be on a mission for Saul. Saul did not have the whole story, but regardless his actions were inexcusable. He ordered his men to kill the Lord's priests, and then to turn the attack on their families. Saul has become so obsessed with keeping his power and removing any threat to his reign, that he is willing to order the death of priests and children.
When we begin to live for ourselves we hurt the innocent. When we are so focused on what we want, we will go farther than we ever thought to attain it. Saul, the one God had anointed as King over his chosen people, ordered the death of God's anointed priests. How far have you gone?
Men, what are the casualties you have inflicted by your choices? Have you neglected your children because they hindered your hobbies? Have you walked out on your wife because she hasn't met your needs? Have you killed them with your silence, or your absence? Living for yourself will bring about greater destruction than you could have ever imagined.
Let us be men who refuse to act as Saul did. Let us set aside our selfish desires and focus on the responsibilites God has given us. May we never sink as low as Saul, but let us rise up and focus on what God has called us to.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Saul has reached a new low. In his pursuit of David, he learns that a priest of God gave aid to him. After questioning Saul orders his men to kill the priests, but these Israelites are unwilling to harm the priests. And so Saul turns to a foreigner, Doeg the Edomite, who has no problem at all with the command. Doeg not only kills the priest, but then goes to attack the families of the priests, including women, children and infants. Saul not only has ordered his own people to be attacked, but he orders that priests and their families be attacked.
Now it must be pointed out that he did not have all the information. Doeg tells Saul that he saw David come and receive aid, but he does not inform the king that David claimed to be on a mission for Saul. Saul did not have the whole story, but regardless his actions were inexcusable. He ordered his men to kill the Lord's priests, and then to turn the attack on their families. Saul has become so obsessed with keeping his power and removing any threat to his reign, that he is willing to order the death of priests and children.
When we begin to live for ourselves we hurt the innocent. When we are so focused on what we want, we will go farther than we ever thought to attain it. Saul, the one God had anointed as King over his chosen people, ordered the death of God's anointed priests. How far have you gone?
Men, what are the casualties you have inflicted by your choices? Have you neglected your children because they hindered your hobbies? Have you walked out on your wife because she hasn't met your needs? Have you killed them with your silence, or your absence? Living for yourself will bring about greater destruction than you could have ever imagined.
Let us be men who refuse to act as Saul did. Let us set aside our selfish desires and focus on the responsibilites God has given us. May we never sink as low as Saul, but let us rise up and focus on what God has called us to.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Turning Point
"So David departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam; and when his brothers and all his father’s household heard of it, they went down there to him. Everyone who was in distress, and everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented gathered to him; and he became captain over them. Now there were about four hundred men with him." -1 Samuel 22.1-2
David has been on the run from Saul. He spent time among the Philistines, and only survived by acting like a madman. Now, the anointed king of Israel is hiding in a cave, but he is not left alone. His brothers and the rest of his family hear where he is and go to him. They probably came to offer him encouragement and supplies, and to not let him go through this hardship alone.
In addition to this, others begin to gather to him. Everyone who was in debt or distress, everyone who was discontented and wanted a change came to him. A small army begins to form with David as their leader. At this point I believe things begin to turn around for David. Yes, there is still a long and hard road ahead, but he is no longer alone.
There is a turning point in each of our lives. For me it was just over a year and a half ago. My wife and I were living in my parent's basement, feeling very alone, and then God opened a door for a new job. It financially provided for us, has allowed me to further my education, and has opened doors to share the Gospel. The basement was my cave of Adullam, but God did not abandon me there because He had placed a calling on my life.
Men, you have a calling on your life as well. In order to see its fulfillment you might spend some time in a cave, but know that the cave can be a turning point, not the final destination.
Let us be men who endure, and even in the cave, let us focus on the calling of God.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
David has been on the run from Saul. He spent time among the Philistines, and only survived by acting like a madman. Now, the anointed king of Israel is hiding in a cave, but he is not left alone. His brothers and the rest of his family hear where he is and go to him. They probably came to offer him encouragement and supplies, and to not let him go through this hardship alone.
In addition to this, others begin to gather to him. Everyone who was in debt or distress, everyone who was discontented and wanted a change came to him. A small army begins to form with David as their leader. At this point I believe things begin to turn around for David. Yes, there is still a long and hard road ahead, but he is no longer alone.
There is a turning point in each of our lives. For me it was just over a year and a half ago. My wife and I were living in my parent's basement, feeling very alone, and then God opened a door for a new job. It financially provided for us, has allowed me to further my education, and has opened doors to share the Gospel. The basement was my cave of Adullam, but God did not abandon me there because He had placed a calling on my life.
Men, you have a calling on your life as well. In order to see its fulfillment you might spend some time in a cave, but know that the cave can be a turning point, not the final destination.
Let us be men who endure, and even in the cave, let us focus on the calling of God.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
The Giant's Sword
"David said to Ahimelech, 'Now is there not a spear or a sword on hand? For I brought neither my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king’s matter was urgent.' Then the priest said, 'The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you killed in the valley of Elah, behold, it is wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod; if you would take it for yourself, take it. For there is no other except it here.' And David said, 'There is none like it; give it to me.'" -1 Samuel 21.8-9
When David killed Goliath he knocked him out with a stone, then decapitated him with his own sword. The sword that was used to slay the first enemy David fought for Israel would now become his own weapon for the next battles of his life. Slaying the giant equipped him for future battles.
The battles we fight today will prepare us for the battles of tomorrow. Some will give us experience, but others may very well arm us for the next enemy. If we fail to slay the giant today, we very well may be ill-equipped for tomorrow. The things we fail, or neglect, to do today can impact our ability to fight in the future.
Men, is there a giant you are neglecting, hoping it will go away? Is there something you keep putting off for one reason or another? How could that be impacting your future? In what ways does your failure to do battle today hinder your ability to fight tomorrow?
Let us be men who slay the giant so that we can take up the giant's sword.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
When David killed Goliath he knocked him out with a stone, then decapitated him with his own sword. The sword that was used to slay the first enemy David fought for Israel would now become his own weapon for the next battles of his life. Slaying the giant equipped him for future battles.
The battles we fight today will prepare us for the battles of tomorrow. Some will give us experience, but others may very well arm us for the next enemy. If we fail to slay the giant today, we very well may be ill-equipped for tomorrow. The things we fail, or neglect, to do today can impact our ability to fight in the future.
Men, is there a giant you are neglecting, hoping it will go away? Is there something you keep putting off for one reason or another? How could that be impacting your future? In what ways does your failure to do battle today hinder your ability to fight tomorrow?
Let us be men who slay the giant so that we can take up the giant's sword.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Monday, April 27, 2015
For a Friend
"But Jonathan answered Saul his father and said to him, 'Why should he be put to death? What has he done?' Then Saul hurled his spear at him to strike him down; so Jonathan knew that his father had decided to put David to death. Then Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger, and did not eat food on the second day of the new moon, for he was grieved over David because his father had dishonored him." -1 Samuel 20.32-33
David knows that Saul is after him, and Jonathan agrees to find out Saul's intentions at great personal risk. The two form a plan for how they will find the information and then how to communicate it, and then Jonathan goes to learn the truth. David does not show up for a feast, and on the second day Saul inquires about David's absence. Jonathan tells him he requested to return home for a sacrifice, and Saul becomes angry. When Jonathan asks about it, Saul tries to spear him, and the truth is revealed. Jonathan risked his life to save David.
Men, how far are you willing to go for a friend? Do you have a friend you are willing to risk your life for? I'm not talking about a situation where they are clearly in the wrong and you cover for them, but in a time of their innocence, is there a friend you are willing to risk everything for?
This is not the type of relationship you will have with many people. I have about three guys I would do this for. There are three guys who are the first I share the greatest joys, and the biggest hardships with. There are three guys who I trust with my heart. Who are your's?
Let us be men who are willing to risk it all for a friend.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
David knows that Saul is after him, and Jonathan agrees to find out Saul's intentions at great personal risk. The two form a plan for how they will find the information and then how to communicate it, and then Jonathan goes to learn the truth. David does not show up for a feast, and on the second day Saul inquires about David's absence. Jonathan tells him he requested to return home for a sacrifice, and Saul becomes angry. When Jonathan asks about it, Saul tries to spear him, and the truth is revealed. Jonathan risked his life to save David.
Men, how far are you willing to go for a friend? Do you have a friend you are willing to risk your life for? I'm not talking about a situation where they are clearly in the wrong and you cover for them, but in a time of their innocence, is there a friend you are willing to risk everything for?
This is not the type of relationship you will have with many people. I have about three guys I would do this for. There are three guys who are the first I share the greatest joys, and the biggest hardships with. There are three guys who I trust with my heart. Who are your's?
Let us be men who are willing to risk it all for a friend.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Sunday, April 26, 2015
Your Real Friends
"Now Saul told Jonathan his son and all his servants to put David to death. But Jonathan, Saul’s son, greatly delighted in David. So Jonathan told David saying, 'Saul my father is seeking to put you to death. Now therefore, please be on guard in the morning, and stay in a secret place and hide yourself'... Then Saul sent messengers to David’s house to watch him, in order to put him to death in the morning. But Michal, David’s wife, told him, saying, 'If you do not save your life tonight, tomorrow you will be put to death.' So Michal let David down through a window, and he went out and fled and escaped." -1 Samuel 19.1-2, 11-12
Saul is once again after David, seeking to kill him and end the threat to his reign. However, David does not face this hardship alone, those closest to him are looking out for him and are doing all that they can to help and protect him. David's friend Jonathan, Saul's son, has David hide, and then speaks highly of David to his father in order to save his life. For the moment Saul's anger subsides, but it does not last. After he again tries to spear David, his wife, Michal, Saul's daughter, helps him escape from their house so he will live.
Notice who the people helping David are, Saul's children. David easily could have grown suspicious of them, thinking that they were simply working with their father to take him out. Jonathan could have had him hide in a place where an ambush had been set. Michal could have lowered him out the window and cut the rope allowing him to fall to his death. David easily could have lost faith in those closest to him because of their blood line, but he doesn't. David knows those he can trust, and rather than pushing them away out of fear that they are secretly out to get him, he trusts them and his life is saved.
In my own life, I have noticed that when things get hard, I have pushed those closest to me away, and gone it alone. I had a friend in college who was like a brother to me. A few years ago my wife and I went through a very difficult time, job loss, moving in with my parent's, unemployment and then underemployment. During this time I was very discouraged, and rather than drawing closer to a friend who had stood by me, I began to push him away. I stopped calling, and would only give one or two word responses when he would text or message me. I did the opposite of what I should have done. I have since started the process of reconciling that relationship, but my response to difficulty has impacted our friendship.
I have also noticed that in times of difficulty and stress, I tend to shut my wife out. The person in this world who is closest to me and knows me better than anyone, is often one of the first people I begin to pull away from. Rather than drawing closer to her, seeking her love and support to get through the difficult times, I have pushed her away, building walls to keep her out. This too is something I have started to work on, but it is not easy.
Men, what is your response during hard times? Do you withdraw and become isolated from those who really care about you? Or do you realize the love that they have for you and draw closer to you real friends, allowing them to carry you through the difficulties? We were not made to go it alone, especially in the hard times. That is the point of relationships and community.
Let us be men who know who our true friends are, and let us turn to them for aid when times get hard. Let us not shut them out of the pain and difficulties, but let us invite them into it, knowing that they love us and simply want to help.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Saul is once again after David, seeking to kill him and end the threat to his reign. However, David does not face this hardship alone, those closest to him are looking out for him and are doing all that they can to help and protect him. David's friend Jonathan, Saul's son, has David hide, and then speaks highly of David to his father in order to save his life. For the moment Saul's anger subsides, but it does not last. After he again tries to spear David, his wife, Michal, Saul's daughter, helps him escape from their house so he will live.
Notice who the people helping David are, Saul's children. David easily could have grown suspicious of them, thinking that they were simply working with their father to take him out. Jonathan could have had him hide in a place where an ambush had been set. Michal could have lowered him out the window and cut the rope allowing him to fall to his death. David easily could have lost faith in those closest to him because of their blood line, but he doesn't. David knows those he can trust, and rather than pushing them away out of fear that they are secretly out to get him, he trusts them and his life is saved.
In my own life, I have noticed that when things get hard, I have pushed those closest to me away, and gone it alone. I had a friend in college who was like a brother to me. A few years ago my wife and I went through a very difficult time, job loss, moving in with my parent's, unemployment and then underemployment. During this time I was very discouraged, and rather than drawing closer to a friend who had stood by me, I began to push him away. I stopped calling, and would only give one or two word responses when he would text or message me. I did the opposite of what I should have done. I have since started the process of reconciling that relationship, but my response to difficulty has impacted our friendship.
I have also noticed that in times of difficulty and stress, I tend to shut my wife out. The person in this world who is closest to me and knows me better than anyone, is often one of the first people I begin to pull away from. Rather than drawing closer to her, seeking her love and support to get through the difficult times, I have pushed her away, building walls to keep her out. This too is something I have started to work on, but it is not easy.
Men, what is your response during hard times? Do you withdraw and become isolated from those who really care about you? Or do you realize the love that they have for you and draw closer to you real friends, allowing them to carry you through the difficulties? We were not made to go it alone, especially in the hard times. That is the point of relationships and community.
Let us be men who know who our true friends are, and let us turn to them for aid when times get hard. Let us not shut them out of the pain and difficulties, but let us invite them into it, knowing that they love us and simply want to help.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Saturday, April 25, 2015
Care for those You Lead
"Then the commanders of the Philistines went out to battle, and it happened as often as they went out, that David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul. So his name was highly esteemed." - 1 Samuel 18.30
In his attempt to eliminate David, Saul placed him over 1,000 soldiers, in the hopes that the Philistines will kill David in battle. However, the text says that David behaved more wisely than all the servants of Saul. The Hebrew word used means "to be prudent," or "to have insight". When David in on the battlefield he is not carelessly engaging the Philistines, but tactfully and intelligently fighting the enemy. He is not rashly risking his life, or the lives of his men. And because of this, he gains great respect among the army.
Men, how do you act when faced with a difficult task? Do you strike quickly, blindly charging ahead, hoping to take the enemy by surprise? Or do you examine the possible casualties and make your decisions based on the wisest course of action?
David was a warrior, a man who knew battle first hand, and was not afraid of engaging the enemy. However, he did not carelessly waste the lives of his men to achieve victory. His behavior was wise, showing that he valued the lives of each of his men as his own. This level of care brought him respect, and favor with the people.
Let us be men who weigh the risks, and work to protect those we lead. May we never carelessly waste time and resources by blindly moving forward. Let us lead with wisdom.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
In his attempt to eliminate David, Saul placed him over 1,000 soldiers, in the hopes that the Philistines will kill David in battle. However, the text says that David behaved more wisely than all the servants of Saul. The Hebrew word used means "to be prudent," or "to have insight". When David in on the battlefield he is not carelessly engaging the Philistines, but tactfully and intelligently fighting the enemy. He is not rashly risking his life, or the lives of his men. And because of this, he gains great respect among the army.
Men, how do you act when faced with a difficult task? Do you strike quickly, blindly charging ahead, hoping to take the enemy by surprise? Or do you examine the possible casualties and make your decisions based on the wisest course of action?
David was a warrior, a man who knew battle first hand, and was not afraid of engaging the enemy. However, he did not carelessly waste the lives of his men to achieve victory. His behavior was wise, showing that he valued the lives of each of his men as his own. This level of care brought him respect, and favor with the people.
Let us be men who weigh the risks, and work to protect those we lead. May we never carelessly waste time and resources by blindly moving forward. Let us lead with wisdom.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)